Michael Jackson’s Family Announces Tribute Concert, Brothers Disagree

Michael Jackson’s family announced Monday that “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert” is scheduled to take place on October 8 in Wales, with a line-up of some of the world’s biggest artists.

At the press conference held in Los Angeles, the family said that the concert will honor the late pop singer’s career and legacy.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine, threw her support behind the tribute by saying:

“When I was told some of the names of the artists performing I knew it would be fit for a king. If my son was here today he would feel the same way. I will be there along with as many members of my family that can make it. It is intended to be the biggest and best concert in the world for many years to come.”

As reported by Wales Online, the event will be held at Millennium Centre Stadium in Cardiff Wales, a venue that can hold 75,000 people and will be broadcast to 30 countries in both 2D and 3D.

But brothers Jermaine and Randy do not agree with the timing of the concert.

In October, the criminal trial of the doctor accused in Michael Jackson’s death will run concurrent with the concert. Both brothers have stated that Global Live Events, the British promoter, was inappropriate in scheduling the event at the same time, according to CNN.com. In a joint statement, the brothers said:

“We want to make clear that this does not reflect the position of the entire family. While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael’s death.”

Despite their feelings, it seems as if the show will go on, as the family has known about its coming since April.

Global Live states that the show will “feature the world’s most amazing music performers”, who will be announced one at a time over the next two weeks.

Maybe longtime friend Madonna? Or globally-known performer Beyoncé, who says Jackson was her inspiration? No one knows, but Chris Hunt, president of Global Live, says the concert will not be less than four hours and the atmosphere will be one that Michael Jackson himself would be proud of.

Proceeds from the concert will go to various charities including The Prince’s Trust, Aides Project Los Angeles and a cancer charity created by the prince of Wales.